Nature of Incident: Presentation of the Therapeutic Inmate Management Unit model at an International Conference
Location: 2021 Crisis Intervention Training International Conference, Phoenix, AZ
Date & Time: August 31, 2021
Unit(s) Responsible: Detention Services Division – Therapeutic Inmate Management Unit
Narrative: In recognition of the need for advanced mental health services inside the custody setting, the Therapeutic Inmate Management Unit (TIMU) was created in early 2019. This program has continued to grow and adapt over the course of its two-year existence.
The goal of the TIMU is to work collaboratively with family members and other stakeholders to establish best care practices for inmates who struggle with serious mental illness. Many of these efforts involve quality of life changes, which directly target improving the individual’s ability to socialize and care for their personal needs on a consistent basis. This has resulted in a significant reduction of serious mentally ill inmates experiencing crisis or destructive behavior.
Based on the success of the TIMU, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office was invited to share our model with other law enforcement agencies and mental health professionals at the 2021 Crisis Intervention Training International Conference in Phoenix Arizona. The goal was to introduce and demonstrate our successful model to other law enforcement agencies to encourage the growth of similar programs worldwide. Numerous law enforcement agencies expressed a strong desire to mimic our program with the hopes of replicating our success.
Sheriff Ayub has long stated his support for developing a holistic and collaborative approach to those dealing with mental illness in our communities. About this presentation, Ayub said, “The staff of the TIMU are modeling the way, not only for our community, but for agencies everywhere. We will continue to evolve and push ourselves to work hand in hand with individuals, mental health providers, and their families to improve lives.”
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to leading the way to a deeper understanding of our ever-changing role in supporting and caring for inmates who suffer from mental illness.
Prepared by: Sergeant Daniel Gonzales
News Release Date: August 31, 2021
Media Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Daniel Gonzales [email protected]
Approved by: Captain Tim Lanquist
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